Iran permits 15 vessels to cross Hormuz under tight controls

Fifteen vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours after securing authorisation from Iranian authorities, according to Iranian media, as maritime traffic through the critical oil shipping route remains sharply reduced following recent regional hostilities.

Overall traffic through the strait is still running about 90% below levels recorded prior to late February, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors, has been at the centre of escalating tensions since the February 28 offensive. The attacks reportedly resulted in more than 1,300 fatalities, including Iran’s Supreme Leader, according to regional sources and media reports.

In response, Iran has carried out retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries, including Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting U.S. military installations.

Tehran has also imposed tighter controls on maritime transit through the strait, raising concerns over global energy supplies and shipping security.

Shipping activity has slowed dramatically as operators weigh security risks and compliance with evolving restrictions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev